. Colonial Defence Office Wellington 14th. December 1868 No. 600/3 Sir, I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 9th. inst., bringing under the favourable notice of the Government, the ''zeal and ability'' of Major Westrupp, and Sub-Inspector Tuke, in provisioning the Field Froce during the late Expedition; also the valuable services of Capt. Fox in volunteering to take his guns to the Front, placing them in position, and training men to work them. I have the honor to inform you that letters, copies of which are annexed, have been written to Major Westrupp and Sub-Inspector Tuke, conveying to them the thanks of the Government for the ''zeal'' in the Public Service; but the Government are unable to arrive at any conclusion as to the ''ability'' displayed in ''provisioning the Field Froce'' until they have had the accounts before them. The valuable services of Capt. Fox are fully appreciated, and have been duly acknowledged in a letter, a copy of which is annexed. I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedient servant (Signed) Tom(?) Haultain. To:- The Honble. D. McLean Esq. Hawkes Bay.